Dismiss Notice
New Cookie Policy
On May 24, 2018, we published revised versions of our Terms and Rules and Cookie Policy. Your use of AstronomyConnect.com’s services is subject to these revised terms.

More Views

Celestron StarSense AutoAlign Telescope Alignment Accessory # 94005

4.8 (5 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Celestron
Part Number 94005
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

Turn your Celestron telescope into a fully-automated tour guide of the universe! The revolutionary technology in the award-winning SkyProdigy telescope is now available for almost every Celestron computerized telescope.

Before StarSense, using a computerized telescope required a lengthy alignment process of finding and centering at least two bright stars in the telescope's eyepiece. But StarSense automatically aligns itself with no user input needed. With this one-of-a-kind accessory, you become an instant astronomer - even if you've never used a telescope before.

StarSense is not only compatible with all of Celestron's current computerized telescope models, but backwards compatible with many older models as well. (See compatibility list below.)

The StarSense Accessory includes a small digital camera that attaches to the telescope's optical tube, along with a specialized hand controller. Just set up the accessory, push the Align button on the hand controller, and StarSense starts capturing and comparing images of the night sky against its internal database of 40,000 celestial objects. In about three minutes, StarSense will gather enough information to triangulate its position and align itself. Then, press the Sky Tour button: StarSense will automatically slew to all the best stars, planets, galaxies, and more based on your exact time and location.

Even the most advanced telescope users will love using the affordable StarSense Accessory. StarSense replaces expensive software used for advanced mount modeling, providing superior pointing accuracy from horizon to horizon. Add as many calibration stars as desired to give your telescope mount a new level of accuracy.

Compatibility List

  • Directly compatible with: NexStar SE, CPC, CPC DX, CGE Pro, Advanced VX, CGE, CGEM, CGEM DX, NexStar SLT
  • Using optional # 93919 Aux Port Splitter, compatible with: NexStar GT, Advanced CT, CG-5, LCM
  • Not compatible with: NexStar i Series, Ultima 2000, NexStar GPS, Early generation GoTo mounts (such as Compustar)

Features

  • Automated Alignment: Just attach StarSense AutoAlign to your Celestron computerized telescope and push the 'ALIGN' button. In about 3 minutes, you're ready to begin observing!
  • Star Pattern Recognition: Innovative imaging technology eliminates the need tor GPS, compass, or leveling.
  • Speed: StarSense aligns your telescope in minutes. Immediately enjoy viewing thousands of celestial objects without any prior knowledge of the night sky.
  • Advanced Mount Modeling: Multi-point alignment provides extremely precise GoTo pointing accuracy, centering the object in your eyepiece or camera every time.

StarSense Camera Specifications

  • High sensitivity, low noise 1.2 megapixel Aptina CMOS sensor
  • Dual-core 32-bit CPU running embedded OS
  • Fully upgradeable application firmware
  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • 2-element 20mm f/2 objective lens
  • USB port interface for future development

StarSense Hand Controller Specifications

  • Auto GoTo alignment
  • Red backlit 4 line LCD
  • 45,178 accessible object database
  • Plate solving database 40,000+ stars
  • Advanced mount modeling up to 10 stars
  • STMicro ARM 32-bit Cortex-M3 CPU
  • Fully upgradeable application and database

Included Items

  • StarSense camera
  • StarSense hand controller
  • Large mouting bracket
  • Small mounting bracket
  • Camera/Aux cable
  • Instruction manual

Manufacturer part number: 94005

Product carries full 2 year Celestron factory limited warranty (within US/Canada only).

Reviews

4.8 (Based on 5 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
Rating Distribution
Sort by
  • Date
  • Rating
  • Useful
    1. Guest

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by Brian M.
      1525849472
      May 9, 2018

      5.0 Celestron Star Sense

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I purchased my Star Sense with my sky portal gps. Keep in mind I am not a computer geek, but I definitely needed help getting my 8"AVX-SCT to find its target and me giving it the right coordinates and information to help it do its job.

      Initially I was getting frustrated getting it to work correctly. I learned the hard way the Star Sense camera works better
      With the camera lens cap removed. I've since taped a red ribbon to the lens cap so I remember to remove the lens cap before I do an alignment.

      The initial set up takes less than 5 minutes. Just follow the prompts on the new hand controller. Its said that a polar alignment isn't necaeeasry and that's probably true. I had a good alignment, then moved the telescope and realigned it and it still looked good.

      Although it was tricky and frustrating to follow the booklet directions to confirm that the star sens was receiving the correct information from the sky portal. I later realized that I could check all that info under the menu button.

      Once I saw the telescppe drifting off
      Target I did another calibration (takes about a minute) and all was back to normal.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by Marcelo F.
      1482704515
      Dec 25, 2016

      5.0 Fantastic!

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      StarSense is a fantastic device, the alignment is ready in a few minutes. The best thing is that it is no longer necessary to become a circus contortionist to perform the alignment correctly.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. Guest

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by Gary A.
      1482591929
      Dec 24, 2016

      5.0 SSAC (StarSense accessory camera)

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Works well. Performs as intended. Agena's service is outstanding. There is, however, an error/omission/misstatement in the instructions regarding the Centering process. Corrections can be found in the forums on the CloudyNights website. Hopefully Celestron will get the manual corrected.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    4. StarMike

      StarMike New Member

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by StarMike of Jacksonville, FL.
      1423008000
      Feb 3, 2015

      5.0 I love it now

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      When Starsense first came out, it had a lot of issues. But Celestron with beta testers at TeamCelestron (I am one of the testers) have really made this into a great unit. The latest firmware is great. I run the auto-align (under 3 minutes), then add 4 calibration points around the night sky. Gotos are with-in the 50% center of the eyepiece and tracking is great. No complaints from me now on my AVX mount. I would not want to be without the device now. Setup time is so much faster. I am very happy with mine

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    5. Guest

      Skill Level
      Unknown
      Time with Product
      Unknown
      User Notes:
      Review by rcsplinters of Alabama.
      1391990400
      Feb 9, 2014

      4.0 Starsense

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact

      Cons:

      Learning Curve,Compatibility Issues

      Comments:

      The best advice I can give to those considering a Starsense would be to do your homework. I use the Starsense with a Celestron AVX mount. I have been successful repeatedly getting acceptable alignments under some fairly harsh conditions. Expect to do some firmware upgrades, including beta versions and pay close attention to the device setup instructions. Performance with other Celestron mounts or accessories may result in profoundly different performance for the Starsense. If you have experience with mount setup and alignment, I think you'll find the Starsense makes for a more casual evening for star parties and general observing. If you are a novice looking for a device to greatly simplify scope alignment, you may find the Starsense to be a bit frustrating. However, there is a beta testing team in Celestron working with a public community to improve the product. Hopefully it will become even more reliable and easier to use.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    Sort by
    • Date
    • Rating
    • Useful

      Specifications

      Manufacturer Celestron